Article originally published on the Office of Public Witness Blog.
On June 2nd, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed a rule under the federal Clean Air Act to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide from existing power plants, a step towards modernizing our nation’s power plants while limiting our contribution to global climate change. The EPA is receiving comments and testimony on this issue, but the comment period ends Thursday, October 16th!
We need your help to ensure these rules are implemented and Presbyterian voices are heard throughout the process! Visit our Action Center today!
Power plants are the single largest source of carbon dioxide pollution in the United States, emitting more than two billion tons of carbon dioxide and other toxic pollutants into our air each year. Scientists tell us that carbon dioxide released by burning fossil fuels is linked to changes in earth’s climate.
- Climate change is already causing extreme weather events, long term droughts, and rising sea levels, all of which impact communities and people around the world – particularly those who lack the money and technology needed to adapt.
- Changes in climate pose a threat to global agriculture, including food supplies and prices.
- Pollution from carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases impacts human health by increasing unhealthy air days and resulting in more respiratory ailments, heart attacks, heat-related deaths, asthma attacks, and other harm. These health problems disproportionately impact on our most vulnerable friends and neighbors, including low-income communities, children and the elderly.
There are currently no limits on the amount of greenhouse gases power plants can emit. This is why reducing carbon emissions from power plants must be a top priority for the U.S. if we hope to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and ensure a just and sustainable world for our generation and those to come.
Rev. Ashley Goff testifies before the EPA
Presbyterian leaders have been engaging this process throughout the year, but the comment period is scheduled to end on Oct. 16, 2014. Send in your comments before it’s too late!
Read the Rev. Ashley Goff’s testimony before the EPA from July 30, 2014. Ashley is the Minister of Spiritual Formation at Church of the Pilgrims, which has an urban garden and bee hives.
At the beginning of this process last fall, OPW Director the Rev. J. Herbert Nelson also offered testimony in support of carbon regulation.
Now is your opportunity to weigh in on critical new protections for public health and the health of God’s creation!
Visit our Action Center to tell the EPA to enact these important standards that will help to save lives and help our country transition to a cleaner energy economy.
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